The Psychology of Trauma

Domestic Violence

How does domestic violence affect the children?

There is no question that domestic violence has terrible effects on children. Children experience similar forms of psychological damage from witnessing domestic violence as they do from being a victim of it. Both child victims and child witnesses of physical abuse report higher levels of depression, aggression, problems in relationships, and problems in school. In sum, children who witness domestic violence are victims of it too. Moreover, children who are raised in violent homes can grow up thinking that violence in intimate relationships is normal. As adults, they are more likely to physically abuse their own partners, or to marry someone who will physically abuse them.